This invention relates to a method for preparing a composite tanning agent, the composite tanning agent itself, and the tanning method thereof. The method involves preparing 5-50 parts by weight of
glutaraldehyde, 5-20 parts by weight of
diisopropanolamine, 5-50 parts by weight of
zirconium sulfate, and 2-50 parts by weight of
phosphate ester. A measured amount of water is added to a reaction vessel, and stirring is started.
Diisopropanolamine is added and stirred until completely dissolved, with the temperature controlled at ≤40℃.
Glutaraldehyde is slowly added, and after the addition is complete, the mixture is stirred for 30-60 minutes to obtain an
aldehyde-amine modified intermediate.
Zirconium sulfate is added to the intermediate, and the reaction is stirred for 40-60 minutes, controlling the pH of the entire
system to 3.5-4.0.
Phosphate ester is added, and the reaction is stirred for 20-30 minutes, adjusting the pH of the entire
system to 3.8-4.2. The mixture is then filtered to obtain the composite tanning agent. The obtained composite tanning agent has the following advantages when tanning leather: low free aldehydes, high stability, high tanning efficiency, excellent leather-forming properties, and is
environmentally friendly and
chromium-free.